A MALVERN railwayman whose career spans the age of steam to the modern era is retiring after 50 years.

Alan Fish, of Newtown Road, has worked as a movement engineer, or shunter, at Worcester's Shrub Hill depot since January 1956.

He has become accustomed to working long hours, mostly at night, ensuring the smooth running of trains by signalling to drivers, changing points and moving trains in and out of sidings.

Mr Fish remembers the transition from steam to diesel in the early 1960s.

"It was certainly a massive change," he said. "Efficiency-wise it benefitted the railways and saved a lot of money, but many people lost their jobs, especially firemen, who shovelled the coal for steam engines."

Despite recognising the need for progress, Mr Fish's fondest memories are from the steam days.

"It was more fun, with more camaraderie back then, and there are a lot more rules and regulations nowadays," he said. "I have some good friends from the early days, some of who are still working now."

Mr Fish, nicknamed Tiddler by colleagues, still works with steam trains occasionally.

Locomotives dating from the 1920s, including the famous Orient Express, are still in good working order and visit the depot a few times a year.

"The great thing about steam is that if an engine dropped a plug it could still carry on, albeit perhaps a little more slowly," he said. "Nowadays, if there is an electric problem a train can just be stuck in the countryside."

Mr Fish has just celebrated his 40th wedding anniversary to wife Judy and said they were both looking forward to his retirement.

"I don't think she'll miss making my sandwiches for the night shift!" he said.

Mr Fish will say farewell to colleagues at a retirement party organised by Worcester Railway Club at a date to be fixed. He is looking forward to dedicating more time to his work with charities and the Royal British Legion, and indulging in some gardening on his allotment.